[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 46 (Friday, March 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E210-E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO KEVIN ALEXANDER GRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN-

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 10, 2023

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a community 
leader, political activist, talented writer, and dedicated 
entrepreneur. Kevin Alexander Gray transitioned from this life on March 
7, 2023, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was a not-so-gentle giant in 
the community who tirelessly advocated for improving the lives of those 
in need, and his presence will be sorely missed.
  Kevin Gray was born on July 1, 1957, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. 
He was raised with his four siblings, by his parents who owned the 
Spartanburg establishment, ``Gray's Groceries''. From an early age, 
Kevin found his voice as a fearless advocate for civil rights and took 
to political organizing. In 1988, Kevin served as the South Carolina 
Coordinator for Reverend Jesse Jackson's Presidential campaign. He also 
worked diligently on the Presidential campaign of Tom Harkin in 1992 
and Tom Clements' United States Senate campaign in 2010.
  In addition to organizing both state and national political 
campaigns, Kevin was also a skilled writer. He worked as an editor for 
Black News of Columbia, South Carolina and as a writer and editor for 
other African American newspapers across the state. He went on to 
write, Waiting for Lightning to Strike: The Fundamentals of Black 
Politics, and edit Killing Trayvons, among other pieces on activism and 
the fight for equality.
  Kevin understood the connection between good political discussions 
and good food, and he opened the well-loved Barbeque restaurant

[[Page E211]]

``Railroad BBQ'' on Hampton Street, in the shadows of Benedict College 
and Allen University. The restaurant is adorned with political posters 
and created a space for enjoying fulfilling food and conversation. 
Despite opening at the early onset of COVID, it quickly became a 
cornerstone of the community.
  Throughout his life, Kevin was a highly involved member of the 
community, offering support to families who had lost loved ones to 
poverty, violence, drug use, or were imprisoned. In formal civic roles 
he served as head of the Rainbow Coalition, a civil rights organization 
originally founded by Rev. Jackson and led protests against apartheid 
in South Africa. He also served eight terms as President of the South 
Carolina American Civil Liberties Union, and for four years on the 
national board of the American Civil Liberties Union. He was a key 
voice in advocating for the removal of the confederate flag from the 
dome of the South Carolina State House.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring 
the inspiring life of Kevin Gray. Throughout his life, he remained 
steadfast in his dedication to his state and furthering the 
opportunities of all who lived there. His commitment to public service 
touched the lives of all who knew him, and he will remain cemented in 
the bedrock of Columbia, South Carolina forever.

                          ____________________